Hi,
Glad to hear you are having success at honing!
I was a bit like you, in getting very enthusiastic with this new hobby, but unfortunately, I have not had much success.
I have an old straight that was rusted so I tried the breadknife technique.
So far, I can't get an edge back.
But with your story, and having put it aside for a week, I'll redo my homework (tutorials and videos) and give it another try this week.
Cheers,